The scheme of spatial organization of the mountain forest-steppe and the stage of formation of relict larch communities (Western Tannu-Ola ridge, southern macro-slope, Khorlety natural boundary). Note. Slope expositions: SW – southwest; NE – northeastern.......- the centerline of the hills. Phytocenoses on the transect: 1 – wormwood-fescue steppes; 2 – petrophytic mixed grass steppes; 3 – bushes; 4 – small-leaved honeysuckle-wormwood larch forest; 5 – motley bluegrass steppes. Stage of formation of relict larch: A – single invasions of larches (ecthesis, according to F. Clements) along the periphery of shrubs; B – Incumbation of the tree layer from Larix sibirica on “shiblyak” communities (thickets of petrophytic xeromorphic shrubs); C – small-leaved honeysuckle-wormwood larch forest – the result of incumbation.